Infected hydrocele

This code represents a hydrocele that has become infected. A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle or spermatic cord, and in this specific instance, bacterial or other microbial agents have caused inflammation and infection within this fluid collection.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a hydrocele with signs and symptoms of infection, such as erythema, warmth, tenderness, or purulent fluid aspiration. This typically applies to acute or subacute presentations where an infectious etiology has been identified or strongly suspected.

• Differentiate from non-infected hydroceles, which would be coded differently.
• Look for documentation of systemic signs of infection (fever, elevated WBC) or local signs (pus, abscess formation).
• Consider an additional code for the specific infectious organism if identified and documented.